GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – Throughout my medical and research career, I have had the privilege of meeting and working with politicians, presidents, decision-makers, members of royal families, and influential global figures. Yet only a few have truly surprised me with their humility, intellectual depth, and unwavering commitment to public service. This was precisely my experience with Ruth Dreifuss – a political leader whose work helped reshape global public health and modern drug policy.

Ruth Dreifuss became Switzerland’s first female president in 1999 and remains one of the most influential figures in the development of progressive public health policy. As head of the Swiss Federal Department of Home Affairs, she played a central role in transforming Switzerland’s response to addiction, HIV/AIDS, and social welfare. Her leadership contributed to the development of Switzerland’s internationally recognized four-pillar drug policy strategy based on prevention, therapy, harm reduction, and law enforcement. Beyond drug policy, her broader political work focused on public health, social security, climate change, environment and women’s rights.

I was visiting a physician colleague from Yale University who now practices medicine in Geneva at Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève when I had the opportunity to meet Ruth Dreifuss in person. I had long known her work through textbooks, scientific literature, and public health discussions, but speaking with her directly and discussing these issues in depth was a truly eye-opening experience.

In a world where many political figures are heavily guarded, distant, and constantly concerned with security, seeing Ruth arrive at our meeting point alone by public transportation was a surprise. In her view, it was absolutely normal and she insisted that it was one of the characteristics of the Swiss political system she enjoyed for its closeness between citizens and politicians. It reflected the values she later spoke about during our conversation: trust in society, trust in government, openness, and connection with ordinary people.

After our long discussion, we walked together toward Geneva’s supervised drug consumption facilities. Along the way, we spoke with people in the streets, exchanged small conversations, and observed daily realities that statistics and policy reports alone cannot fully capture. Those brief human interactions became an important reminder that public health is ultimately about people, dignity, and lived experience.

What struck me most was the respect and admiration people still showed her many years after her presidency and active political career. Citizens approached her warmly, recognizing not only her political role but also the impact her policies had on protecting lives and improving public health in Switzerland.

Her behavior throughout the day taught me something profound about leadership: humility, confidence, and humanity are not weaknesses in politics – they are strengths. Ruth Dreifuss embodied the kind of public servant many societies aspire to have but rarely encounter. Spending time with her was both intellectually enriching and personally inspiring.

You were instrumental in shifting drug dependence from a criminal justice issue to a public health concern. What scientific, clinical, or epidemiological evidence most convinced you that addiction should be treated primarily........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)